Open Letter to RCMP Detachments across Canada to Fly the Pride Flag

RCMP National Headquarters

M.J. Nadon Government of Canada Building?

73 Leikin Drive

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R2

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June 23, 2023

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Attention:?????Commissioner Mike Duheme

RE:?????????????Open Letter to RCMP Detachments across Canada to Fly the Pride Flag as a Symbol of?Solidarity for LGBTQIA+ People in their Community

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Executive Summary

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With over 700 detachments in 150 communities across the country, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have received numerous ‘Open Letters’ varying in topics from firearm confiscation, Indigenous Relations, peaceful protests, recruitment challenges, censorship, vaccinations, discrimination, physical and mental health, public interest, and more. The RCMP has also received letters vehemently opposed to any example of promoting diversity and inclusion. Previous ‘Calls to Action’ have implored the RCMP to act impartially and remain neutral.

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June is typically dedicated to celebrating and commemorating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more (LGBTQIA+) pride. Pride month is celebrated worldwide, including in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. The celebration seeks to build a safe world for the next generation and encourage individuals to be respectful and open to understanding the differences and similarities that make us unique.

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Although the RCMP website says, “We're raising the Pride flag at RCMP buildings across the country.[1]” I have observed that this is not a consistent practice at detachments in various communities. Although the website goes on to say, “Show your support in whatever way you find most comfortable.”, is not the opportunity to celebrate and promote the diversity of gender identity, sexual orientation, and gender expression important enough to strongly suggest that all detachments fly the Pride Flag to create an inclusive community across the country?

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Visibility and representation matter. Statistics have shown excessive acts of demonstrative hate directed against the LGBTQIA+ community. Flying the Pride Flag at RCMP detachments would symbolize leadership united in solidarity to collaborate, educate, share, and listen with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and the communities.

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The RCMP has an opportunity to lead by example and support an environment free from harassment and other forms of discrimination. This includes discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. RCMP detachments can resolve to support a community that supports the LGBTQIA+ by flying a Pride Flag, bringing awareness around Pride month, participating in local initiatives in the communities where RCMP members live, work, play, and invest, and showing acceptance and respect for LGBTQIA+ people.

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The Pride Flag has become an internationally recognized way for communication and organizations to support and acknowledge support for the LGBTQIA+ community. The hesitancy of RCMP detachments to fly the Pride Flag could symbolically signify the lack of support, acceptance, and respect and could further alienate or stigmatize the relationship between RCMP members and the LGBTQIA+ community locally.

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Call to Action

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Consider the powerful and positive symbolism and meaning of the Pride Flag. Consider all our pride in being who we are, our contributions to society, and the good we do. Consider encouraging all RCMP detachments across the country to fly the Pride Flag.

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Flying the Pride Flag will not compromise the identity of the RCMP. Instead, it will show strength and leadership that the RCMP wants to collaborate with communities nationwide to improve things.

Respectfully,

Jacqueline Biollo, MBA

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Jacqueline Biollo is a former politician, government relations consultant, university educator, and proud ally of the LGBTQIA+ community. Jacqueline supports others through her words and actions and speaks often about the value of diversity and inclusion.

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?[1]?https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/pride-month